Notary for Business Documents

Running a business in Los Angeles means dealing with a steady stream of legal documents, and many of them require notarization. From formation documents to major contracts, having a reliable notary is essential for any business owner. This guide covers the most commonly notarized business documents and when notarization is required.

Corporate Formation Documents

While not always legally required, notarizing formation documents adds credibility and may be needed by banks, investors, or government agencies:

• Articles of incorporation: Some states and filing agencies prefer notarized articles.
• Operating agreements (LLCs): Notarization is recommended for multi-member LLCs to prevent disputes about who agreed to the terms.
• Partnership agreements: Notarized agreements are harder to challenge in court.
• Corporate bylaws: May need notarization when presented to banks or regulatory agencies.
• Corporate resolutions: Board resolutions authorizing specific actions often require notarized signatures.

Financial Documents

• Loan applications: Business loan documents and SBA applications may require notarized signatures from owners and guarantors.
• Promissory notes: Notarization provides stronger enforceability for promissory notes.
• Security agreements: Documents pledging business assets as collateral are often notarized.
• Personal guarantees: When business owners personally guarantee a loan, the guarantee is typically notarized.

Real Estate and Lease Documents

Businesses that own or lease property frequently need notary services:

• Commercial lease agreements: While not always required, many landlords require notarized leases for commercial spaces.
• Property deeds: Any real property owned by the business requires notarized deeds for transfers.
• Title transfers: Transferring business-owned property requires notarization.

Employment and HR Documents

• I-9 verification: While notaries do not complete I-9 forms, they may notarize related documents.
• Non-compete agreements: Notarization strengthens enforceability.
• Employment contracts: Executive-level contracts often include notarized signatures.
• Affidavits related to employment disputes: Sworn statements in employment legal matters.

International Business Documents

Los Angeles businesses with international operations face additional notarization needs:

• Apostilles: Business documents used in foreign countries often need an apostille.
• Document authentication: For countries outside the Hague Convention.
• Certified translations: Foreign business documents may need translation and notarization for use in the U.S.

Benefits of Notarizing Business Documents

• Legal standing: Notarized documents carry more weight in court.
• Fraud prevention: Notarization verifies that the signer is authorized to act on behalf of the business.
• Compliance: Many regulatory filings require notarized signatures.
• Investor confidence: Investors and partners view notarized documents as more professional and trustworthy.

Mobile Notary for Businesses

Busy Los Angeles business owners benefit greatly from mobile notary services. A mobile notary can come to your office at a time that works for your schedule, including after hours and weekends. For businesses with multiple signers in different locations, a mobile notary can visit each one.

Find a business-friendly notary in your area through our Los Angeles notary directory. For fee information, see our cost guide.